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Sweetheai^t and Wife 



In ^^oetrg ant» Song 



By 

GEORGE WASHINGTON NIMS 

'Author of "A Keepsake More Precious than Klondike Gold," "Golden 

Lines of Wisdom for the Young," "Uncle Reuben's Adventures 

Abroad," ''Ninnis's Humorous Question Book," "The Deserted 

Farm," "Forsaken by the World," "The Nineteenth Century," 

"Mother, in Poetry and Song," "The Quartrain Instructor 

of Youth," "Nims's Humorous Epitaphs," "Mammon 

in Verseland," "Human Nature in Public and 

Private Life," "The Counselor of Youth and 

Friend to Old Age," "The Declining 

Village," etc., etc. 






BOSTON, MASS. 
THE WHITE PRESS, INDIA STREET 

I 906 






USi^ARY of CONaRESS 
Two CoDies Received 

AUG la^ 1906 

>^ Copyrig>it Entry 
CLASS^^ XKc. No. 



1 



\ 



Copyright, 1906 
G. W. NiMS 






^ Sweetheart and Wife 



I WED THEE IN THE GOLDEN SUMMER-TIME. 

I wed thee in the golden summer-time, 

Some fifty years ago, 
When thou wert in thy girlhood's rosy prime, 

Down where the hawthorns grow ; 
Down in a cot, where twining ivy bloomed, 

When birds were bright and gay. 
And everything to me so pleasing seemed 

Upon our wedding day. 
Chorus: 
I wed thee in the golden summer-time. 

Some fifty years ago. 
When thou wert beautiful and fair, my love, 

Down where the hawthorns grow; 
Down in a cosy cot I love so well, 

Where children oft would play. 
And rural nature seemed to bloom more fair 

Upon our wedding-day. 

I wed thee in the golden sunmier-time, 

Some fifty years ago. 
One bright and lovely morn in balmy June, 

When roses were in blow. 
When fragrant breezes kissed thy golden hair, 

And beauty smiled at thee ; 
When thou wert like the morning glories fair 

And beautiful to me. 

Now thou art growing old and gray, my dear. 

The love I bear for thee 
More firmly grows, as months and years roll by — 

More sunny seems to me . 
Through all our wedded life, my happy love, 

I 've ne 'er forgot — I know 
I wed thee in the golden summer-time, 

Some fifty years ago. 



Sweetheart and Wife 



MY LOWLAND MARY. 

'T was in the poets' charming May, 

In bright entrancing spring, 
When hill and dale with verdure blooms 

And birds so sweetly sing, 
That I first saw my heart's true love — 

My Mary kind and true, 
Down in a flowery meadow, where 

The sweetest violets grew. 
Chorus : 

'T was in the sweet May-time I met 

My Lowland Mary dear, 
Down in a flowery meadow, green, 

One morning bright and clear. 
When wandering by a murmuring brook, 

Whose banks with blossoms smiled. 
When I with love and pleasure roamed 

Among the flowers wild. 

One lovel)^ morn, my Lowland lass. 

For beauty's self I took, 
When carelessly I saw her stroll 

Down by a winding brook 
That murmuring flowed through fields, so green, 

Near by a little cot, 
O'er which the ivy used to twine, 

That never '11 be forgot; 

For in that cot, now mossy grown, 

My Lowland Mary died — 
Who 'll never from my memory fade, 

Or cease to be my pride ; 
But when I roam through meadows fair, 

And hear the sweet refrain 
Of warblers gay, I'll think of one 

I long to see again. 

Though years have flown, since that fair morn, 

And much of life I've seen, 
I've ne'er forgot the lass I met 

Down in a meadow green — 
The rose to me so beautiful 

And fair, so bright and gay, 
When, in the spring-time of my youth. 

My feet were wont to stray. 



Sweetheart and Wife 

WHERE IS MY LOVE THIS FEARFUL NIGHT? 

Where is my love this fearful night, 

When madly drifts the snow 
Around her childhood's genial home? 

How I would like to know ! 
Where is my love with eyes so blue, 

And dimpled cheeks so rare, 
That so enchanted me upon 

A face so sweet and fair? 
Chorus : 
Where is my love this fearful night, 

When angry blasts I hear 
Howl fiercely 'round the little cot 

To recollection dear? 
Far, far away she 's dwelling now, 

Far from her country home, 
Where oft, when we were young and gay. 

We dearly loved to roam. 

Where is my love this fearful night. 

When winter's blasts blow wild 
Along the vales and o'er the hills 

She loved so when a child? 
Where is my love ? Alas! where is 

Her humble dwelling-place, 
That I again may fondly gaze 

Upon her charming face? 

Where is my love this fearful night — 

The treasure of my heart — 
Who often vowed upon the green 

That we should never part? 
Where is my love? Where can she be? — 

The lass I love so well — 
To-night, how I should like to know 

Where she is wont to dwell. 



MY MARY DEAR, I'M THINKING NOW OF YOU. 

My Mary dear, I 'm thinking now of you ; 

And with sweet fancy's aid. 
Once more I view the scenes that never'U from 

My recollection fade; 



Sweetheart and Wife 



As I, in thought, my dear, live o'er again 

The golden days of yore, 
When love and happiness for you and I 

Their sweetest blossoms bore. • 
Chorus: 
My Mary dear, I 'm thinking now of you, 

Of one I love so well — 
So faithful, loving, kind and true — with whom 

I would forever dwell. 

When round about me roar life's freezing gales, 

And trials hover near, 
Oh! then to me how sweet your loving smiles 

And words of hope and cheer! 
When fiercely frowns the cold, unfeeling world, 

And cruel want annoys, 
When heartless envy and misfortune strive 

To poison all my joys. 

At Franklin Park and Crescent Beach so gay — 

No matter where to me — 
I always bright and happy feel whene'er 

Your cheery face I see ; 
When lovingly at you I calmly gaze. 

And kindly words I hear — 
For you are all this world to me — my own, 

My darling Mary dear. 

So, come what may, as thoughtless time rolls on- 

Whate'er my fate may be — 
The same true friend and loving wife, my dear. 

You'll e 'er remain to me. 
So this dear wish I'll fondly cherish, till 

With earthly scenes I'm through. 
That it may be my favored lot, at last, 

To dwell in Heaven with you. 



SWEET MADELEINE. 

Upon this starry eve, so bright and mild, 
I love to be with thee, sweet Madeleine, 

When down an old familiar stream we glide, 

While night birds sing above the meadows green. 



Sweetheart and Wife J 

When never-fading scenes of youth return, 

And gaily shine the twinkling stars, we know, 
Around thy brow, oh! let me twine again 

The roses that were blooming long ago. 
Chorus. 
Upon this starry eve, sweet Madeleine, 

When night birds sing and balmy breezes blow, 
Around thy brow, oh! let me twine again 

The roses that were blooming long ago. 

Now when we sail beneath the silvery moon, 

By hill and dale, the flowery meadows through. 
When memory bids youth's sunny hours return. 

Sweet Madeleine — so good, so kind and true ; 
When two fond hearts in loving union beat, 

And we would naught but love and pleasure know, 
Around thy brow, oh! let me twine again 

The roses that were blooming long ago. 

Now when we live life's rosy days again, 

And golden seasons of the past return, 
When fond remembrance, by-gone scenes reviews, 

And, in our hearts love's brightest embers burn; 
Upon a summer eve, so beautiful, 

Sweet Madeleine, when gentle moonbeams glow. 
Around thy brow, oh! let me twine again 

The roses that were blooming long ago. 

Now we recall the pleasures of the past, 

And with delight the songs of childhood sing, 
As we, in contemplation, live again 

The brightest season of life's verdant spring; 
When care and trouble dwelt far, far away, 

And seeds of happiness we loved to sow. 
Around thy brow, oh! let me twine again 

The roses that were blooming long ago. 



MY OWN TRUE LOVE. 

In fancy, now, I hear a voice 
That oft enchanted me, 

The voice of one — my own true love 
I never more shall see; 



8 Sweetheart and Wife 



Methinks again her winsome smiles 
Bid care and trouble roam, 

As when, at eve, we used to stroll 
Down by her happy home 
Chorus : 

My own true love now gently sleeps. 
From all the world unseen, 

Down in a grave by loving hands 
In summer-time kept green. 

Her rosy cheeks I seem to see — 

The fairest of the fair — 
Her locks of gold, so beautiful. 

She loved so well to wear. 
A thousand joys I now recall, 

As I in fancy roam 
From scenes of care and busy thought 

Back to my childhood's home ; 

Back to the hallowed scenes I love 

To often ponder o'er. 
To careless days of long ago 

That we shall live no more; 
To where sweet memory wafts me near 

A httle grave so green, 
Where my true love is sleeping now, 

By all the world unseen. 



WHEN FIRST WE MET. 

When first we met, how beautiful 

The flowers of summer bloomed! 
How brightly shone the morning sun 

Where love and beauty roomed! 
How sweetly sang the robin then 

Beside the old barn-door! 
How softly blew the balmy breeze 

From nature's fragrant store! 

Chorus : 

When first we met how beautiful. 
How lovely then wert thou 

When garlands gay I used to bind 
Around thy fair young brow! 



Sweetheart and Wife 

How gaily beamed the rich green fields, 

Bedecked with blossoms gay, 
Where many a winsome lassie loved 

To while the time away ! 
How fair thou wert when first I met 

The jewel of my heart, 
When first affection's vow we pledged, 

That death alone can part! 

How often since I've blest the morn 

When nature seemed so gay. 
When first I saw with gladsome eyes 

The sweetest flowers of May! 
My love, how happy then were we 

Upon that summer day, 
When busy care and trouble roamed 

From us far, far away! 

Though far fromchildhood's hallowed scenes 

It is our lot to dwell, 
My mind with pleasure wanders back 

To scenes I love so well — 
Back to your childhood's sunny home 

That I shall ne 'er forget 
While I, in fancy, can recall 

The time when first we met. 



MY MARY'S RESTING-PLACE. 

Beneath a willow gray, my Mary lies, 
Near where the morning sun the dew-drop dries, 
Where woodland songsters love to chirp and sing 
As sweetly as the fairest birds of spring; 
And thoughtful children come to visit here 
Where I so oft have shed affection's tear. 
When summer charms and roses brightly bloom. 
And I with garlands fair bedeck her tomb. 

Chorus : 
Beneath a willow gray, my Mary rests, 
Where, in sweet summer-time, the robin nests. 
Where I delight to be when roses bloom — 
To ponder and to pray beside thy tomb. 



10 Sweetheart and Wife 



My dearest wish — long may this treat be mine — 
Love's laurels on thy grave to fondly twine ; 
And when the storms of life shall beat no more, 
To meet again on Heaven's immortal shore. 

Sweet flower of home 1 two years ago to-day 
My loving bride, so happy and so gay, 
How little then I thought that we should part, 
That I would lose the sunlight of my heart ; 
That cold in death, thy lovely form wouldst lie 
Ere half the budding spring had glided by ; 
That one I thought more dear than gold to me. 
Should for a season charm, then cease to be. 

Alas! no tongue can tell how sad I feel 
Whene 'er beside thy little mound I kneel,^ 
How I desire to see thy face again, 
That smiled so sweetly when we used to train, 
When o'er thy resting-place fair blossoms smile, 
And balmy breezes moan and sigh the while — 
Lamenting o 'er the fate of one so dear 
Who faded in the spring-time of the year. 

When worldly cares have long oppressed my mind 
Refreshing is the peace that here I find, 
Whene 'er I can^ my love, commune with thee. 
Oh, then what joy and comfort 'tis to me ! 
Though I cannot discern thy smiling face. 
In fancy, still I can thy spirit trace. 
When I in meditation gently kneel 
Beneath the willow's shade, to deeply feel. 



SWEET MEMORIES OF THEE, MY MARY DEAR. 

Sweet memories of thee, my Mary dear. 

Will never from my mind depart — 
The joyous seasons I have spent with thee 

Will live forever in my heart ; 
The little hamlet by the mountain-side. 

The pleasing scenes we loved so well, 
When we together chose to fondly stray, 

And near each other used to dwell. 



Sweetheart and Wije ii 



Chorus: 
Sweet memories of thee, my Mary dear. 

Will dwell forever in my heart 
While memory lives and I can think of thee, 

And never from my mind depart ; 
As through the winding vales of life, I roam. 

My dearest pride will ever be. 
In sunshine and in storm, my sweetest joy 

To think, my Mary dear, of thee. 

Sweet memories of thee, my Mary dear. 

Will never moulder or decay. 
And objects that we used to treasure so 

Will never from my memory stray; 
The old red school-house and the rural church, 

The cot with ivy twining o'er. 
The flowery fields we loved to wander through 

When summer bloomed on hill and moor. 

Sweet memories of thee, my Mary dear. 

Will daily grow more bright and green, 
While back to golden days of yore I roam, 

To many an old famiUar scene ; 
When I, in fancy, see thy genial face. 

Thy sparkhng eyes, so bright and blue, 
When I recall the love and faithfulness 

Of thy fond heart, so tried and true. 

Sweet memories of thee, my Mary dear, 

Will never from my memory fade, 
The old associations of our youth. 

The haunts where oft we sang and played ; 
Though far from thee I dwell, though far away 

In foreign lands I long may roam, 
In thought, I '11 often wander back to thee. 

Whene'er I think of home, sweet home. 



MY BONNIE BESSIE. 

How Tapidly, my Bessie dear. 
Have sped the hours of time 

The sweetest hours I ever knew 
And happiest of my prime 



12 Sweetheart and Wife 



Since' last I saw thy brown eyes beam, 
> « * So brilliant and so gay, 
When on thee grace and beauty smiled 
Sweet as the blooms of May. 

So fair thou art, so bright and mild, 

No flower e 'er bloomed so sweet, 
No summer morn so beautiful, 

Didst e'er a lover greet. 
Oh! wilt thou, Bessie, e'er be mine — 

Whom I have loved so long, 
Of whom I've often wrote and sung 

So many a pleasing song? 

Shall lips so red and cheeks so fair 

E'er feel another's kiss? — 
The lips so fair to look upon 

Deny to me such bliss? — 
Nay! nay! while we hold dear the pledge 

We vowed one summer's day, 
In yonder blooming field, my love. 

Beside the new-mown hay. 

Wilt thou, sweet Bessie, e'er be mine? 

How much, I'd give to know, 
If I could win thy tender heart — 

For it would please me so; 
But I must wait, sweet Bessie, wait, 

Time only can reveal 
What I so earnestly desire — 

The depth of love I feel. 



I'LL NE'ER FORGET MY MARY JANE. 

I '11 ne 'er forget my Mary Jane, 

My sweetheart long ago. 
When youthful hopes so brightly beamed 

And she was pure as snow; 
The village-green where oft we sat 

Beneath the silvery moon. 
When stilly night enrapt the scene 

And sped, alas! too soon; 



Sweetheart and Wife ij 

Refrain: 

I'll ne'er forget my Mary Jane, 

My sweetheart long ago, 
When youthful hopes so brightly beamed 

And she was pure as snow. 

The hill-side where we often strolled 

On many a lovely day, 
When birds and bees and flowers teemed, 

And everything looked gay; 
Where gentle pleasure oft we wooed, 

In seasons long gone by, 
When hope and expectation ruled 

Two loving hearts so shy ; 

The village where we used to dwell. 

When beauty smiled so free, 
When in the summer-shaded grove 

She sang so sweet to me ; 
The httle cot, so fondly dear. 

Where she was lowly born, 
When on her cheeks the roses shone 

As fair as golden morn. 

Now can it be, a change has come. 

That we no longer meet 
Where we in childhood used to play 

And she could smile so sweet? 
Ah, yes ! a youth of noble mien 

Made love to Mary Jane, 
Then from me stole the bonnie lass 

I '11 never see again. 



MY COUNTRY SWEETHEART. 

Do you remember still, my love, 

The happy seasons passed 
Upon the dairy farm, where you 

And I have sweetly basked? 

When roaming through the fragrant fields 

In search of flowers gay, 
Where, when mild evening came, we chose 

To pass the time away? 



14 Sweetheart and Wif^ 



When on your cheeks the roses shone 
Bright as the noon-day sun, 

Beneath the loveliest orbs of blue 
That beamed in Bloomington? 

When with your golden tresses played 
Full many a welcome breeze, 

And many a woodland songster sang 
Among the rich green trees? 

The sylvan grove where lovers swung 

Beside the valley pool, 
Where oft in sportive glee you loved 

To gaily romp and fool? 

When beautiful I thought you were — 

The fairest of the fair — 
And smiling plenty treated us 

Lo, with the tenderest care? 

The shady lawn, where oft we spent 

So many a pleasing hour, 
Which seemed in dusky twilight-time 

Like an enchanted bower? 

Oh, no! you never can forget 

Such hallowed scenes as these, 

Such calm retreats from worldly care, 
Which used so oft to please. 

Wherever you may roam, look back 
You will — howe 'er forlorn — 

Through memory's eye, with fond delight 
To scenes where you were bom. 



MY OWN SWEET KATIE DEAR. 

Oh! how I long to see again 

My own sweet Katie dear — 
For whom fond recollection sheds 

Affection's sweetest tear — 
Upon her face so beautiful, 

To fondly gaze once more. 
And look into her orbs, so brown, 

And her fair charms adore. 



Sweetheart and Wife 15 



Chorus: 
Oh ! how I long to meet again 

My own sweet Katie dear — 
The girl I love so tenderly, 

The maiden I revere. 

The joy and comfort of my life, 

I long to see again — 
The friend I love and cherish so,— - 

With whom I often train ; 
Who makes my life more cheery seem, 

And sunshine to me brings, 
Who fills my mind with tender thoughts 

When love's gay songs she sings. 

I'm lonely now, I cannot see 

My Katie bright and fair — 
The girl I love and treasure so, 

With rosy cheeks so rare ; 
For she is all that I desire — 

The darling of my heart — 
From whom, could I forever live, 

I'd never wish to part. 

My Katie 's coming home again — 

How happy then, I'll be. 
When I embrace, once more, the girl 

I love so tenderly! 
For I am sad and lonely now, 

When she is far away ; 
Ay, when I rove through meadows green. 

Where we were wont to stray. 



LOVE'S LAST FAREWELL. 

How brightly beamed the rising sun — 

Whose rays outdazzled burnished gold 
How lovely seemed the summer morn, 

Can ne 'er by poet's pen be told ; 
The mom we met for the last time 

How sweetly smiled thy azure eyes! 
How fair the roses on thy cheeks! — 

More pleasing than the lily's hue. 



i6 Sweetheart and Wife 



Chonis: 
Farewell my love ! farewell to thee ! — 

I'll ne'er forget our parting vow 
We made beneath the ha"^i;horn tree, 

When garlands decked thy fair young brow. 

What hopes we builded on that day — 

Sweet joys that never were to be — 
Of charming scenes and pleasures dear, 

We longed for and we prayed to see !• 
When kneeling side by side we gently vowed 

To meet when summer bloomed again 
Upon the self-same plot of green, 

Where we in childhood loved to train. 

Oh, how deceived we were, my love ! — 

In all our calculations blind — 
When on the wings of hope we soared, 

When on the light, green turf we signed; 
Consumption came and smote thee down 

Ere half the coming year had flown — 
Then passed away the brightest gem 

Ajid sweetest flower I've ever known. 

In foreign lands, and far away, 

The -wiU of fate caused me to be, 
I've ne 'er forgot our parting vow 

We made beneath the hawthorn tree ; 
Thy fascinating smiles, so sweet. 

Thy lo\ing heart so fond and true, 
Live in my mind and ever will. 

Till I am with life's journey through. 



FORGIVE ME NOW, MY HUSBAND DEAR. 

Forgive me now, my husband dear. 

And I'U be true to you, 
And in the future, as I ought, 

My duty gladly do ; 
That you and I may happy feel, 

And cease to sigh and grieve — 
For I, alas! our humble home, 

Again, vAM never leave. 



Sweetheart and Wife ly 



Forgive me now, my husband dear. 

And I in future '11 be 
The same dear friend and loving wife 

I know you love to see ; 
And I shall strive again to please 

And live, as I ought too, 
And never wander from your side, 

Or faithless prove to you. 

Forgive me now, my husband dear, 

And I again mil be 
To you the same sweet Annie dear 

You always love to see, 
And, with the same sweet loving smiles 

I'll greet you as of yore. 
And show again, how I love you, 

As I have done before. 

Forgive me now, my husband dear, 

And I will by you stand 
Through dark and sunny hours to come, 

And lend a helping hand; 
For I am thinking of our long 

And pleasant wedded life — 
So full of joy and happiness 

So free from sinful strife. 

Forgive me now, my husband dear, 

That I may cease to weep, 
So, by your side I may again 

Lie down to sweetly sleep; 
For you are more than life to me — 

The sunshine of my heart — 
With whom I love to dwell — from whom 

Again I'll ne'er depart. 

Forgive me now, my husband dear, 

That I ^dth you may live, 
And never with another roam 

Or wish my love to give ; 
Then my sad heart wdll brighter seem 

And peace return to me ; 
Then you and I will happy feel. 

And life worth living be. 



i8 Sweetheart and Wife 



MY BLACK-EYED NELL. 

My black-eyed Nell, in fancy, now, 

I see my native green 
Where you and I so often played 

From busy care unseen ; 
The maple grove and flowery dell. 

Where loving vows we made, 
When twilight bade the sky-lark sing 

Above the heathy glade. 

Refrain: 

My black-eyed Nell, in fancj'^, now, 

I see my native green, 
Where you and I so often played 

From busy care unseen. 

I see the cot that sheltered you 

In happy years gone by. 
Where oft at eve we lingered long 

When love was hovering nigh ; 
The roses on your cheeks again 

In all their beauty bloom. 
As lovely as the year before 

We laid you in the tomb. 

I see your black eyes beaming now. 

Which smiled so oft at me. 
When o'er the hills and through the vales 

Your charms I used to see ; 
When youth and beauty once were yours 

And your young heart was gay, 
When 'neath the twinkling stars at night 

We whiled the hours away. 

I see you pluck with lily hands 

The hill-side roses wild, 
And listening hear the robin sing 

Its notes so soft and mild; 
As I recall sweet days of yore 

When on the village-green 
I saw you gaily dance and sing 

In many a lively scene. 



Sweetheart and Wife 



^9 



WHEN FIRST THE MORNING GLORIES WERE IN 

To-night, through childhood's haunts again I roam 

Down ^^?f^ ^^i^?^'^ ^^^ l^g-^^bin hor^e 
13own on the old plantation as of yore 
My careless feet so often wandered o'er 

Si t^^T.l^T^^ ^^^ happiness was mine, 
And 1 among the lassies used to shine : 
Where first I met my sweetheart on the green 
When she was beautiful fair Bessie Deln- 
Where once we wooed, ere aught we knew'of doom 
When first the morning glories were in bloom. ^ ' 

To-night I hear the darkies sing again — 
Now by the cotton-fields I dance and train - 
As 1, in fancy, live those happy hours 
When we so sweetly sang in shady bowers ; 
When life and rosy hope before me lay 
And cold misfortune dwelt far, far away 
J^re cruel changes came, or sorrow tried 
Tnrf w^ ^^f''''^^ carelessly through acres wide, 

Whp^S ."^/if "^ "'^''?^^' ^^^^ by the flume, ' 
When first the mormng glories were in bloom. 

To-night, down in our cabin home, I see 
feweet faces, once so fond and dear to me • 
1 see again the reverend pastor there ' 
Ihe eve she looked so lovely and so fkir 

Sk ^^% ^T^ ^^\ blithesome nightingale 
W^ ^"ghtly beained the stars o'er hill and vale • 
When, hand in hand, we vowed we 'd faithfulbe ' 
Though fortune smiled or frowned adversity ' 
mirfT 7^ P^^dg^d, as loving bride and groom 
When first the mormng glories were in bloom. 

Now from these hallowed scenes, though far I dwell 
Far from the shady haunts we love so well 
Our old log-cabm home we 've ne 'er forgot' 
Where first my sweetheart's hand I sought' 
And hfe with all its charms before me lay 
When she was beautiful as vernal May 
When o er Its walls the woodbine softly crept. 
And love and peace and fond contentment slept • 
mf nV^.^ll^' ^^dipck's wiles we met our doom' 
When firet the morning glories were in bloom ' 



20 Sweetheart and Wife 



WHEN DAISIES BRIGHTLY BLOOM. 

On this fair summer day, my love, 

With you, I long to be, 
So, if you will, we '11 wander to 

A meadow by the sea ; 
For my sad heart is sick and sore, 

And you can make it well, 
If you, when daisies brightly bloom, 

To-day, your secret tell. 

Refrain: 

For my sad heart is sick and sore, 
But you can make it well, 

If you, when daisies brightly bloom, 
To-day, your secret tell. 

As I no longer wish to wait, 

To-day, I hope to know, 
When nature's charms so fascinate 

And bahny breezes blow; 
For, from my mind, perplexing doubts 

I can't too soon dispel; 
So, when the daisies brightly bloom. 

To-day, your secret tell. 

Many admirers now, you claim, 

And lovers not a few, 
Who o'er the ground you daily tread 

Love's blossoms thickly strew; 
So can you wonder why, my love, 

That I with peace can't dwell? 
So, when the daisies brightly bloom, 

To-day, your secret tell. 

Well, well, my dear, I now confess 

The one I love is you. 
From whom I '11 never stray — the one 

To whom I will be true — 
With whom I trust some day 't will be 

My happy lot to dwell; 
So, when the daisies brightly bloom, 

I did my secret tell. 



Sweetheart and Wife 21 



MY LOVE! WILL YOU BE TRUE TO ME? 

To-night beside my cheery hearth, 

Our happy childhood knew, 
My sweetheart, dear, some questions I 

Will frankly ask of you — 
The questions dearest to my heart — 

If you would be my bride ? 
If you through life, will live with me. 

And journey by my side? 

Refrain: 

To-night beside our cheery hearth, 
Our happy childhood knew, 

My sweetheart, dear, some questions I 
Will frankly ask of you. 

When trials come, that try the soul, 

And sorrow wounds the heart. 
Will you love me, as now, or from 

My side long to depart? 
When those more handsome tempt you to 

Your marriage vows forget? 
When those with more of this world's goods 

Ask you to be their "pet"? 

Should trouble often visit you 

And pleasure quickly flee? 
Should tribulations deeply wound 

And peace be prone to flee? 
Should sad misfortune bid you oft 

To sigh for happiness. 
And sunshine seldom care your lot 

In life to cheer or bless? 

Should poverty our lot be gloom U 

Or cruel want bedim 
Our happiness? or we be cursed 

With dark afflictions, grim? 
Should old acquaintances, from me, 

Advise you to depart, 
Will you be true, and I still be 

As precious to your heart? 



22 Sweetheart and Wife 



MUST MY DEAR MARY DIE? 

Alas ! must my dear Mary die — 
My all beneath the cold sod lie — 
Who 's been to me so kind and dear, 
So true through many a golden year? 

Oh ! must her gentle spirit leave 

To cause my anxious heart to grieve ? 

All that I love — must it decay 

Like summer blooms and pass away? 

Must I be early left to mourn? 
From one I love must I be torn? 
Shall fond acquaintance weep and die, 
And hallowed friendship lowly lie? 

Nay! nay! my Mary '11 not depart, 

But still delight and bless my heart ; 

Still please in sad and cheerj^ hours 

And charm like spring-time's fragrant flowers'. 

The paleness on her cheeks will pine 
And roses on them brightly shine, 
And her pale lips their rubies gain 
With jovial health — now on the wane. 

Her mild blue eyes mil charm's before 
And beam, as in bright days of yore ; 
Her gentle voice will soothe my ear 
Like plaintive airs, so sweet to hear. 

A season more I long to save 
The dearest boon kind nature gave — 
My own true wife, my Mary kind, 
Who is so pleasing to my mind. 

So blest with virtues that endear, 
With a good heart, so kind — sincere ; 
So pure, affectionate and true, 
Her loving smiles seem ever new; 

Ay, she '11 be spared to bless me still. 
And oft my heart with sunshine fill; 
For many a year, oh ! may it be 
She '11 live to cheer and comfort me. 



Sweetheart and Wije 2j 



She cannot die ! Pale death shall wait, 
Ere it decides my Mary's fate ; 
Good health must come to banish pain 
And make her seem herself again. 



FAREWELL, DEAR EMMA. 

Farewell, dear Emma! now, farewell 

To every hallowed scene, 
For I am going far away 

From my dear native green, 
Where dreary winter cometh not 

To blight fair nature's blooms. 
But summer smiles the 5''ear around 

And health and plenty rooms. 

Refrain. 

Farewell, dear Emma! now, farewell 
To every hallowed scene, 

For I am going far away 

From my dear native green. 

Now I must leave my native land 

And those I love so well. 
And far across the ocean wide 

Make up my mind to dwell; 
Far, far from friends, so tried and true, 

From those so dear to me ; 
Still, roam where'er I will, I'll ne 'er 

Forget to think of thee ; 

For we have known each other long 

And loved each other well, 
So, back to thee, my thoughts will rove 

Where 'er thou mayest dwell. 
Forget me not, and faithful prove 

By night as well's by day. 
And think of none but me, my love 

When I am far away. 



24 Sweetheart and Wife 



MOTHER, SHE'S FAIREST OF THE DALE. 

Mother, my Tilly is a primrose, sweet, 

She is so graceful and so fair — 
The sweetest flower in all the world to me, 

With charming locks of golden hair. 

Mother, she is a blonde of rosy hue, 
With a complexion like the lily; 

So beautiful — whom I so much admire — 
My own dear love — my bonnie Tilly. 

Mother, she 's fairest of the fair, I claim, 

To whose sweet charms none can be blind; 

Possessing such a tender loving heart, 
With such a pure and noble mind. 

Mother, I've many a handsome lassie seen, 

But none, like her, have chanced to meet; 

So bright and fair, I can with justice say. 
So amiable, so kind and sweet. 

Mother, because her beauty charms me so — 
Making me feel so young again — 

Don't fear, while virtue crowns her lovely brow 
And noble worth inspires her train. 

Mother, I know you love my Tilly, well. 
As you her beauty must admire. 

When 'tis entrancing as a cooling breeze, 
As love around a winter fire. 

Mother, sometime, you'll bless the hour we met — 

The happiest hour I ever knew, 
And gladly say, "She 's worthy of our praise. 

Who's been so upright and so true." 

Mother, I've gazed at beauty oft before, 
On tresses bright 's the noon-day sun, 

On brilliant orbs of loveliest hue, but none 
So fair's my love's of Irvington. 

Mother, she 's blest with beauty of the mind — 
More lasting than the human form — 

With a pure spirit, gentle as a lamb. 

With love that weathers every storm. 



Sweetheart and Wife 25 

Mother, I'm pleased, because my choice is made ; 

The world seems lovely to me now, 
Lo, when my Tilly greets me with a smile 

And I to pure afifection, bow. 

Mother, salute me with approval's kiss. 
Uphold my cause and deem me wise ; 

Say with me now, "She's fairest of the dale. 
Its sweetest flower and dearest prize." 



MY DEAR DEPARTED WIFE. 

How sad it seems now, in our home 

I can no longer see 
Thy genial face and loving smiles, 

So fondly dear to me ; 
Now sorrow finds a welcome warm. 

Where once affection smiled. 
And joy and fond contentment oft 

Life's passing hours beguiled! 

To say "farewell," how hard, indeed! 

To bid adieu to thee. 
My sweetest friend, when daily thou 

More lovely seemed to me; 
Who e 'er in sunshine and in storm 

Stood firmly by my side, 
A true and worthy helpmate and 

A kind and loving bride. 

Beneath the cold unfeeling sod, 

I dreaded so to place 
Thy loved remains — but yesterday 

So full of love and grace ; 
To know that home could never seem 

The same dear spot to me. 
When thy fond smiles and winning ways 

I nevermore should see. 

Alas! how little did I know 

Of how I 'd miss thee, dear. 

Till cruel death one hapless morn 
Smote me with gnef and fear; 



26 Sweetheart and Wife 



Till on thy dying bed, at last, 
I knew that we must part, 

How sad I'd feel for one who was 
The sunshine of my heart. 

The bright and cheering hope, that I 

May some day live again 
In endless love with thee, my dear. 

Allays my grief and pain; 
The thought that thou art dwelling now 

Where pleasures never end. 
Where love and joy and happiness 

Delight, inspire, befriend. 

But oh! thy memory '11 be kept green. 

My dear departed wife. 
For how, oh, how can I forget 

The comfort of my life ? 
The friend of friends and love of loves 

Thou 'It ever be to me — 
For time or absence never '11 quench 

The love I bear for thee. 



SWEET ANNIE'S TOMB. 
To-day, my own sweet Annie dear 

Is sleeping gently in the tomb, 
Down by a clover field, so near, 

Where daisies nod and brightly bloom. 

Her cheeks, so fair, and eyes, so blue, 

Now charm no more my wishful gaze, 

As they, of yore, were wont to do 

When in our loving youthful days. 

Her kindly voice is silent now — 

The voice so gentle and so sweet 

When garlands decked her fair young brow, 
And we in childhood loved to meet. 

To-day the grass is growing green 

And aU around the crickets sing, 

While I, with tender thoughts serene, 
Fond recollection's tokens bring. 



Sweetheart and Wife 2y 



Still, lonely seems her resting-place, 

Though decked with many a cherished flower, 
With twining vines, I love to trace, 

Bedewed with many a welcome shower; 

Though birds sing o'er her little mound, 

While careless youth tread thoughtless by, 

And flowers fair bloom o'er ground 
Between my Annie dear and I. 

Refrain: 

To-day, the flowers are in bloom 

And birds are singing o'er the lea, 

Above my Annie in the tomb 

Who I in childhood loved to see. 



THE MODEL WIFE. 

The wife who dost her husband love 

And treats respectfully; 
Who never breaks her marriage vows 

And is from meanness free ; 
Who for her children loves to do. 

To sacrifice and plead; 
Who through the paths of righteousness 

Delights to daily lead ; 

Who on vain gossiping looks down, 

Like saints on sinfulness; 
Who in her home and family 

Dost comfort, cheer and bless; 
Who in the footsteps of the good 

Desires to daily walk; 
Who with the noble-minded loves 

Lo, sensibly to talk; 

Who strives her husband lo, to please 

And caters to his weal, 
Who trusts in God and trains her young 

At goodness' shrine to kneel; 
Who in her home breeds harmony 

And bids contention cease ; 
Who is in league with happiness, 

Contentment, love and peace; 



28 Sweetheart and Wife 



Who trains her children to be kind, 

Unselfish and upright; 
Who never calls them vulgar names, 

Or would their prospects blight; 
Who by her family is loved. 

Respected and revered; 
Who through her kindly words and deeds 

Hath made her name endeared ; 

Who knows her place, and when to act, 

And how to mischief shun ; 
Who wrangling dreads, and aught that drives 

From home good nature's sun; 
Who values time and noble deeds. 

And loves to useful be ; 
Who calmly bears the icy blasts 

Of cold adversity; 

Who loves to be of service to 

The members of her home ; 
Who from its loved and hallowed charms 

Has no desire to roam; 
Who weighs her words and fairly acts. 

And lady-like appears; 
Who in the time of sorrow sheds 

Kind sympathy's blest tears. 



I MISS THEE, NOW THE SPRING-TIME'S COME 

AGAIN. 

I miss thee, now the spring-time's come again. 

When in the orchards sing the blue-birds clear. 
And on the garden fence the robin pipes 

The notes which fall so softly on my ear; 
Now, on the meadow green, the violets 

JBloom as of yore, as beautiful and sweet, 
Down by the silvery brook, that flows so still. 

Where oft the thrushes notes I used to greet. 

Now, when the daffodils so brightly bloom 

And 'neath the old barn eaves the swallow's seen. 

What would I give, if we could meet again 

To ramble through the budding fields, so green! 



Sweetheart and Wife 2g 



And sit beneath the maple's leafy shade, 

Now, on the wing, the bright and busy bee 

Plucks from the fragrant flowers, the livelong day. 
Their honeyed sweets — so pleasing once to thee. 

I miss thee, now the butter-fly is wont 

To rove among the fairest buds of spring, 
When fragrant gales perfume thy favorite haunts 

And on the green, at eve, the lassies sing; 
When o'er the cottage of thy youth, I see 

The woodbine leafing as of yore. 
And, as of old, down by the village mill, 

Again I hear the foaming waters roar. 

Now buoyant spring, so beautiful and fair. 

Recalls so many scenes, so full of glee, 
Which fond remembrance treasures with delight, 

It makes me long to be again with thee ; 
Now, when the trees are clothed with verdure green. 

To linger in the grove and on the lawn, 
When I, in fancy, feel so young again 

And spring so sweetly blooms where we were born 



YOU ARE THE WIFE FOR ME, SWEET MAMIE! 

You are the wife for me, sweet Mamie ! 

So loving and so true. 
With such a form, so neat and trim. 

And eyes so bright and blue ; 
For though I should, as time rolls on. 

More handsome faces see, 
With forms more beautiful, still they'd 

Not seem the same to me. 

Chorus : 

You are the wife for me, sweet Mamie ! — 

The dearest of the dear — 
The pride and comfort of my heart. 

Whom I love to be near; 
Whose loving smiles make life more dear 

More pleasing far to me ; 
Whom I shall never cease to love 

Wherever I may be. 



^0 Sweetheart and Wije 



You are the wife for me, sweet Mamie ! 

Because you please me so, 
Because another one Hke you 

I'll never find, I know; 
For I have traveled far, and those 

More beautiful have seen, 
But none, oh! none that can or will 

My love for 3^ou e 'er wean. 

You are the wife for me, sweet Mamie ! 

So good, so kind and fair — 
The sweetheart that I love so well. 

For whom I fondly care ; 
Since none so pleasing seem to me. 

No matter where I roam, 
Lo! none, however fair, with whom 

I feel so much at home. 

You are the wife for me, sweet Mamie ! 

With whom I love to be. 
Whose winning ways and pleasant smiles 

I dearly love to see ; 
So, good it seems, to think that you 

Are still my joy and pride, 
That we, together, love to dwell 

And journey side by side. 



WEEP NOT FOR ME, MY HUSBAND DEAR. 

Weep not for me, my husband dear. 

Because I love another now, 
Grieve not your life away for me 

Because I broke my marriage vow; 
But on life's bright and pleasing side 

Resolve that you will daily dwell, 
And think, as rarely as you can, 

Of one you long have loved so well. 

With my new home, I'm satisfied, 

With my new friend, I happy feel; 

For he is rich and you are poor, 

And I at plenty's altars kneel; 



Sweetheart and Wife ji 



So, do not worry now for me, 

But rather think 'tis for the best 

That from a faithless spouse, you 're free, 
And bid your mind to be at rest. 

I left you for another man 

Whom I love better now, I know. 
So useless tears ne 'er shed for me, 

Or wonder why I acted so ; 
Because I never shall return. 

Or be to you a wife again ; 
Still, in my heart, I sorry feel. 

As I dislike to cause you pain. 

Why grieve for me, my husband dear, 

While marriage is a lottery? 
When many faithless prove, you know, 

Why break your heart for such as me ? 
For, had I acted as I ought. 

And been to you a faithful bride, 
I might be still your loving spouse. 

Because I was your joy and pride. 



MY SWEETHEART BEFORE THE BALL. 

To-night, beside my cottage fire, 

I'm longing for my love again. 
For golden hours and pleasures gay 

When I loved so my Lilly Jane ; 
When she so charming seemed to me — 

The girl I loved the best of all, 
Ere tears and pleadings were in vain, 

Long years ago, before the ball. 

To-night, my sweetheart may I see. 

By genial fancy's kindly aid — 
The blossom that I treasure so. 

Who from my memory never '11 fade ; 
May I once more my love behold — 

The girl I loved the best of all, 
When life so pleasing seemed to me. 

Long years ago, before the ball. 



j2 Sweetheart and Wife 



To-night, oh! bring me back again 

To my sweetheart, when I believed 
Her faithful, innocent and pure. 

Ere I her tender heart had grieved; 
Ere I her hopes betrayed — back to 

The girl I loved the best of all 
When we were happy, young and free, 

Long years ago, before the ball. 

To-night, oh ! let me live again 

The pleasing scenes so dear to me. 
When my sweetheart was young and fair 

And beautiful as she could be ; 
Ay ! ay ! once more let me caress 

The girl I loved the best of all. 
Ere I her trusting heart deceived. 

Long years ago, before the ball. 



MY CHARMING BLUE-EYED MAY 

This morn, I'm thinking of my dear, 

My charming blue-eyed May, 
Who long, long years ago from me 

Was carried far away. 
When in her native ville appeared 

A youth of wealth and fame, 
Who early won her tender heart 

And changed her maiden name. 

Oh ! how I long to tell again 

My charming blue-eyed May 
How sad and lonely I have felt 

E'er since she went away ! 
How I have missed a friend, so dear, 

My childhood loved so well, 
How I have hoped and prayed that I 

With her might some day dwell. 

Though years have flown since last I saw 
My charming blue-eyed May, 

Yet, in my mind, she still remains 
The same sweet girl to-day; 



Sweetheart and Wife jj 



For time or absence never '11 blot 
Her image from my heart — 

Whate 'er my fate, 'twill never from 
My recollection part. 



WITH MY SWEETHEART, PLEADINGS WERE 
VAIN. 

This eve, I 'm thinking of sweet days gone by, 

Of a sequestered hamlet by the sea, 
Where my sweetheart and I were born and reared, 

Long, long ago when life was dear to me ; 
Ere on the main I wished to widely roam, 

When my sweetheart's longing for me was o 'er. 
And my sad heart was breaking with regret ; 

Ere first I wandered from my native shore. 
Ere I had learned with anguish and with pain 

That with my sweetheart, pleadings were in vain. 

How happy I might feel, if I could see 

My loving sweetheart of the long ago, 
When I was worthy, kind and true, and she 

Was fairer than the buds that brightest blow! 
If I could feel as I did then, when she 

Loved me and in my heart she ruled supreme ; 
When I called her the queen among the fair, 

And life to me seemed like a golden dream, 
Ere I had learned with anguish and with pain 

That with my sweetheart, pleadings were in vain. 

In hallowed seasons of the past, I live, 

When I, in fancy with my sweetheart roam. 
Ere I in foreign lands nad widely strayed. 

Far, far beyond our dear old sea-side home ; 
When on the summer side of life, I dwelt. 

Near by my sweetheart beautiful and fair, 
When we were loving schoolmates fond of play. 

And love and pleasure banished every care, 
Ere I had learned with anguish and with pain 

That with my sweetheart pleadings were in vain. 

Now in my old arm-chair, I love so well, 

To check the falling tears, I strive in vain ; 

For my sad heart in fancy wanders back. 
Back to a lovely summer's eve again. 



j4 Sweetheart and Wife 



When to my sweetheart I unfaithful proved ; 

So this is why a wanderer I have been 
Since she returned our old engagement-ring, 

Since last I saw my own dear native green, 
Where first I learned with anguish and with pain 

That with my sweetheart, pleadings were in vain. 



AFTER OUR HONEY-MOON WAS OVER 

One morning, I awoke to find 

My heart with grief was running o 'er, 
That I had lost my peace of mind 

By wedding handsome Daisy Moore; 
Learning with pain, with anguish keen. 

That I no longer dwelt in clover ; 
For wedded bliss I sought, in vain. 

After our honey-moon was over. 

When in "the swim," I quickly learned 

How sadly I'd been taken in, 
When I knew well, that love was blind. 

And maidens gay were prone to sin ; 
When from me happiness had flown 

And I no longer dwelt in clover. 
Wishing that I was free again. 

After our honey-moon was over; 

For to my sorrow and dismay, 

I found she wed me for my gold — 
For that which charms the young and gay — 

So love was left out in the cold ; 
Making me feel as though I 'd like 

To be in Hackensack or Dover — 
And when too late, I sighed in vain. 

After our honey-moon was over. 

So men, be careful what you do! 

Beware of those who wed for gold! 
Of maidens who care naught for you. 

Or you may pine out in the cold ; 
Lest you begin to sigh, in vain, 

When you no longer dwell in clover 
For single-blessedness again, 

After your honey-moon is over. 



Sweetheart and Wife oc 

THAT CRANKY WIFE OF MINE. 

Today, I have a wife — oh! such a wife — 
That I am sick and tired of wedded life, 
roi\ night and day, I seek for peace in vain, 
And sigh for single-blessedness again; 
Since I can't live, unless she has her way 
Do what I will, she's bound to have her say 
Just to find fault and be dissatisfied, ' 

Regardless of my feelings and my pride ; 
So I dislike that cranky wife of mine 
Who temperance talks, yet sips her ale and|wine. 

When in my ears her vexing clatter rings 
I wish that I was dancing ''Highland flings" • 
When sue contends and cries for the last word 
And my poor nerves are fluttering like a bird • 
When from their sockets start her dagger eyes 
Ajid her untiring tongue like lightning flies 
Tis then I long forever to depart, ' 

To seek for peace and ease my troubled heart ; 
So 1 dislike that cranky wife of mine 
Who temperance talks, yet sips her ale and wine. 

Sometimes, I wish that I had ne'er been born 
That, in my youth, to some fair clime I'd gone 
Where scolds, in petticoats, are never seen, ' 
And grass the year around is always green ' 
For my cross wife my peace of mind upsets. 
Making me feel like one who piles up debts; 
Like one who is to woe and misery wed 
From whom the brilliant star of hope has fled • 
So I dislike that cranky wife of mine ' 

Who temperance talks, yet sips her ale and wine. 

Now! now! let others sing of "home sweet home •" 
Around this wide, wide world, I'd rather roam,' 

Than to dwell with a scold who drives me mad 

That to look well must powder, paint and pad — 

Who thinner grows, the more she frets and stews 

The more she pouts and stands up for the blues • ' 

With whom I never cease to be at war, 

She loves so well to snarl, to snap and jaw; 

So I dislike that cranky wife of mine 

Who temperance talks, yet sips her ale and wine. 



j6 Sweetheart and Wife 



WE PARTED JUST BEFORE THE BALL 

Lo! just before the ball began, 

One autumn eve, long, long ago, 
I met my love for the last time — 

The fair young girl that I love so — 
To learn she loved another more 

That I had courted — but in vain — 
A maiden bonnie, bright and fair. 

Who I shall never meet again. 

Chorus : 
We parted just before the ball, — 

Before the music was entrancing — 
To meet and love on earth no more. 

Ere maidens fair were gaily dancing; 
When sweetly smiled the twinkling stars 

Ere' the bright-lights were softly beaming, 
Upon a golden twilight eve 

When pearls and diamonds were gleaming. 

The maiden I so longed to win. 

Whom I have praised in many a song. 
Upon a bright and stilly eve 

Resolved she would her lover wrong. 
Since then, I've often thought of her. 

Of her sad fate and early fall, 
Of the regretful reason why 

We parted just before the ball. 

I have another sweetheart now, 

Who I have tried and proven true. 
Who never from me longs to stray — 

Though dark the sky, though bright or blue ; 
So, for my love before the ball, 

Alas ! again I '11 never care, 
Or e 'er forget the autumn eve 

I found her faithless — unaware. 



GOOD WIVES. 

Toward a good wife, I never would 
The part of tyrant play, 

Or think that I, in everything, 
Should always have my way. 



Sweetheart and Wife jy 



Lo! a helpmate to goodness wed 
I never would ill-treat, 

But, everywhere, be always glad 
Her smiling face to greet. 

A helpmate who was never vain 
Or a blind slave to dress, 

I would strive hard to please and love 
To daily kindly bless. 

To one who to her vows was true, 

I would be kind indeed. 
And love to lend a helping hand 

Lo ! in the hour of need. 

To one, who for her children cares, 
And labors for their weal, 

I would do naught to cause dire pain. 
But for her love to feel. 

Ay, one that justice recommends- 
And honor loves to praise, 

I v/ould with pleasure, crown her brow 
With gratitude's fair bays. 

Lo ! to a wife that 's good and true, 
I would be always kind — 

Knowing full well that I, her like, 
Not every day can find. 



TILL YOU ARE DEAD TO HONOR. 

A wife-beater you '11 never be — 

No matter where you dwell — 
E 'en though your home should sometimes seem 

Lo, like an earthly hell — 

Till you are dead to honor. 

You '11 never dare to cruelly beat 

The helpmate you have wed, 
But wish to act a manly part. 

Whatever may be said — 

Till you are dead to honor. 



j8 Sweetheart and Wife 

To strike the partner of your choice 
Naught could induce you too — 

E 'en though, alas ! she may have been 
To wedlock's vows untrue — 
Till you are dead to honor. 

Whate 'er your lot in life may be, 
Your wife, you'll not abuse. 

Or, to please righteousness and worth, 
To kindly act refuse — 
Till you are dead to honor. 

However mad you may become, 
So long as you are sane 

Your wedded spouse, you'll never harm, 
Or cause her needless pain — 
Till you are dead to honor. 



THE WIFE THAT I ADMIRE. 

The wife for me, I now confess. 

Is gentle, kind and true, 
And oft along life's winding paths 

The flowers of love doth strew ; 
Who takes an interest in the young 

And for her husband feels. 
And at the shrine of faithfulness. 

With honor, daily kneels. 

The wife for me ne 'er rudely acts 

Or frowns on modesty, 
But from what is unladylike 

Is not ashamed to flee; 
Who cherishes ideals that tell 

For truth and righteousness. 
And, in her home, her family 

Delights to cheer and bless. 

The wife for me is never proud 

Or favors vanity. 
And with the haughty and the mean 

Hasl^no desire to be; 



Sweetheart and Wife jg 



Who loves to mind her own affairs 
And treat her neighbors well ; 

And with the upright and the wise 
Hopes she will always dwell. 

The wife for me in God believes — 

And in a future life — 
And never, needlessly, foments 

Unjust and heartless strife ; 
Who is to gossiping a foe, 

And from back biting free ; 
And who, wherever she abides, 

With cheerfulness would be. 

The wife for me extravagance 

Is never known to praise, 
And through the gloomy paths that lead 

To scandal never strays; 
Who knows her place, and rules her tongue, 

And lives as kindness would, 
Loving to follow in the steps 

Of those who oft do good. 

The wife for me makes home a place 

Where peace and love abide, 
And wrangling and contention find 

They must remain outside ; 
Who looks on the bright side of life, 

And, in her family, 
Her sweetest comfort finds — where all 

From discontent are free. 



A GOOD WIFE. 

Of a good wife, I sing to-day, 

Of one I love so well. 
Whose qualities of mind and heart 

For worth and honor tell: 
T\Tio I have never ceased to prize 

Since she became my bride, 
With whom I trust, while life is mine, 

In peace and love to bide. 



^0 Sweetheart and Wife 



Chorus : 
Of a good wife, to-day I sing, 

Of one to me so dear. 
With whom hfe always sunny seems 

And never dark and drear ; 
Who loves to make me happy feel — 

No matter where we dwell — 
Because the virtues of her mind 

For love and goodness tell. 

For single-blessedness, I've never longed 

Since she stood by my side, 
A damsel fair, when lo ! as now. 

She was my joy and pride ; 
But as the years glide calmly by 

To me she dearer seems — 
The ideal of my waking hours, 

And angel of my dreams. 

From her I know I '11 never part 

And with another dwell, 
From one so true, who I have loved 

For many a year, so well; 
So come what will, by her I '11 stand 

While goodness I revere, 
And thankful ever be for one 

To me so fondly dear. 



WHEN YOU ARE GROWING OLD. 

When you are growing old, my dear, 

And your fair locks are gray. 
My love for you will never wane — 

Remember what I say — 
As in your girlhood's golden prime 

I will attentive be, 
Though we with cheerful plenty dine 

Or sup with poverty. 

When your fair charms begin to fade 
And signs of age appear. 

That then, there'll be a change in me. 
You never need to fear; 



Sweetheart and Wife ^j 

For through your nobleness of mind 

And kindliness of heart, 
You can, as in the past, from you 

Make me ne 'er wish to part. 

When your bright eyes are growing dim 

And wrinkles mar your face. 
Do not imagine that, I'll then 

My worthy name disgrace, 
By leaving one, whom I have loved 

So long and tenderly. 
Because, in you, the charms of youth 

I can no longer see. 

When your sweet Ups their color lose, 

And your complexion, rare. 
Less pleasing seems to view, by those 

Who deem it wondrous fair; 
Oh ! then ne 'er doubt that I shall still 

As fondly care for you. 
And in your pathway gratitude's 

Sweet flowers delight to strew. 

When you are growing old, my vow 

To by you stand, I'll keep. 
In sunshine and when life's rough storms 

Do madly howl and beat; 
For you are all this world to me — 

Of whom I never tire, 
But, as the years roll softly by. 

Will more and more admire. 
Quartrain : 
The wife who'd rather gossip than 

To mind her own affairs. 
Brings needless troubles home 

And adds unto her cares. 



THE WIFE THAT WISDOM SHUNS. 

The wife that wisdom shuns is fond 

Of idle gossiping; 
And night or day, base scandal's dirt. 

Is not afraid to fling; 



42 Siueetheart and Wife 



Who in her home no interest takes, 
And to her young is cross, 

Because she wears the pants and her 
Meek husband loves to boss. 

The wife who can the ''growler" rush 

From early morn till night, 
That with her neighbors, feels at home, 

When she with them can fight ; 
Who of another's business knows 

Much more than of her own. 
Who loves to multiply her sins, 

But never to atone. 

The wife who loves to be untrue 

And idle time away, 
And flirt, whene 'er she pleases, with 

The thoughtless and the gay ; 
Who loves to live beyond her means. 

And put on silly airs. 
And for her husband needlessly 

To multiply vain cares. 

The wife who grins at those who toil 

And on the poor looks down. 
Who on what ladies always do. 

Is not inclined to frown, 
Who thinks no lady ought to work, 

And lightly values home, 
And, where the wise and good dare not, 

Is not ashamed to roam. 

The wife who is indifferent to 

The welfare of the young, 
Who rather than uprightly walk 

Prefers to use her tongue; 
Who to her husband is a thorn 

And not a helpmate, true, 
But one, alas ! who would make e 'en 

The sunny-hearted blue. 



Sweetheart and Wije 43 



TO-DAY, I'M THINKING OF A COT. 

To-day, my true and loving wife, 

I'm thinking of a cot 
Where first we met long years ago, 

That's never been forgot; 
Of how you looked on that fair eve, 

So tranquil, bright and clear, 
When I was introduced to you 

By a fond mother, dear. 

Again the roses on your cheeks 

I can distinctly see, 
As when you in your girlhood's prime 

So charming seemed to me ; 
Once more your graceful form beside 

Me stands, and in your eyes 
So sweet, I read the signs of love — 

That I so highly prize. 

I seem to hear my mother speak 

The words that bless and guide, 
That teach one to uprightly live 

And with the good to bide ; 
While funny jokes my father cracked 

On that delightful eve, 
Return — the jokes that never cause 

The heart to sigh or grieve. 

I 'm thinking of the vow I made 

In this peace-loving cot, 
When in sweet Cupid's silken net 

My heart was fairly caught; 
The vow that I would some day wed, 

That you should be my bride, 
That, come what might, to never long 

To wander from your side. 

The vow I made has been fulfilled. 

And you and I are one, 
And in the home we love so well, 

Shines happiness' fair sun ; 
Because it was my lot to meet, 

One stilly eve of yore, 
With you, my dear, who is to-day 

The wife that I adore. 



44 Sweetheart and Wife 



Long, long ago, fierce flames destroyed 

The cot I treasure so, 
That sheltered those I love, who now 

Sleep where the daisies blow; 
But one so precious to my heart — 

E 'en you, my loving wife — 
I'm pleased to know is still the joy 

And comfort of my life. 



I'VE NE'ER FORGOT THAT BRIGHT MAY MORN 

I 've not forgot that bright May morn, 

Some twenty years ago, 
When the remains of one I loved 

Was laid the turf below; 
When the good wife, so dear to me, 

Was buried out of sight. 
While birds were singing and fair flowers 

Were blooming in the light. 

When, in the fields around, I heard 

The humming of the bee. 
And balmy breezes gently blew 

Through many a rich green tree ; 
When nature's varied charms would please — 

And e 'en the dullest mind — 
And lovers of the beautiful 

Could charming prospects find. 

Now sweet May-time, I dread to see, 

Because my heart's so sad. 
Since it recalls my greatest loss — 

That nearly drove me mad ; 
For I have ne'er another loved 

Since she was laid to rest, 
One sunny morn in flowery May, 

When I was so distrest. 

So long as goodness I revere 

And faithfulness uphold, 
The memory of one so true, 

Will never, never mould; 



Sweetheart and Wife ^5 

But till I breathe my latest breath, 

That bright May morn of yore 
I '11 not forget or her who I 

On earth shall see no more. 



SEEKING IN VAIN. 

Sometime ago I strove to find 
A maid who had with wisdom dined, 
Who would make me a worthy wife, 
And be a foe to wedded strife ; 

For one who wished to nobly live 
And not to sin, her honor give ; 
Who in her home would never fret, 
Or, to please show, dare run in det)t ; 

Who would a kindly helpmate be. 
And sunshine to her family; 
Who would to scandal be a foe 
And seeds of gossiping ne 'er sow ; 

Who would not talk about her neighbors, 
Or sneer at one who daily labors ; 
Who would to fashion be no slave 
Or one who likes to scold and rave ; 

Who would e 'en to her foes be kind, 
And court contentedness of mind ; 
Who, to please pride, would never act 
Like one devoid of sense and tact ; 

Who could at home act sensibly 
And from extravagance be free ; 
Who dares with righteousness to walk 
And, arms with honor, loves to lock ; 

Alas ! I fear I '11 never find 
The ideal of my heart and mind. 
Since, to perfection none attain, 
I know that I shall seek in vain. 



46 Sweetheart and Wife 



SWEET ANNIE IS THE WIFE FOR ME. 

Sweet Annie is the wife for me — 
No matter where — on land or sea, 
Who makes my life more sunny seem — 
Her heart with goodness doth so teem — 
For I have traveled far and near ; 
But never found a friend, so dear; 
In whose good qualities of mind 
I could such joy and comfort find. 

Chorus : 

Sweet Annie is the wife for me, 
With whom I love so well to be ; 
Who is the sunshine of my heart, 
From whom I never long to part. 

Many fair maidens, I have known, 
And seeds of love with pleasure sown ; 
And beauty's fairest buds, I 've seen, 
In drawing-rooms and on the green; 
But none like Annie, I have met, 
Whom I so loved to court and pet ; 
Whose charms so fascinated me, 
And made me long with her to be. 

Now, home with love and sunshine teems, 
And life to me worth living seems — 
For with the wife I love so well 
'Tis heaven indeed for me to dwell — 
Who, come what may, will by me stand 
And gladly lend a helping hand ; 
And, till my journey here is o'er. 
Will be the friend that I adore. 



WEDDING FOR GOLD. 
Why I was born I cannot tell. 
Unless it was to live in hell, 
For, since I entered wedlock's gate 
With one I since have learned to hate, 
I feel as though I 'd like to drown, 
Or a large dose of strychnine down ; 
Now life to me seems burdensome 
And I to happiness am dumb. 



Sweetheart and Wife ^7 



Chorus : 
Why I was born I cannot tell, 
Unless it was to live in hell, 
For, since I wed Susanna DiU, 
From misery's cup I've drank my fill, 

I wed for gold — like many more — 
And now my happiness is o'er; 
If I had wed for love I'm sure 
Such misery now, I 'd not endure ; 
For sunshine I would surely see 
And from unhappiness be free ; 
But now, what am I living for. 
When troubles at my vitals gnaw? 

For single-blessedness, I sigh, 
Now I don't care how soon I die. 
How soon I leave a cheerless home 
And with celestial beings roam ; 
Now, when too late, I plainly see 
The sad mistake that ruined me — 
That robbed me of the joys of life. 
And wed me to unholy strife. 



YOU NEVER CAN TOO KINDLY TREAT. 

You never can too kindly treat 

The wife who cares for you, 
Whatever be your lot in life, 

No matter what you do ; 
The wife who keeps her marriage vows 

And wisely loves to walk. 
And with those who court high ideals 

Desires to freely talk. 

The wife who for her children cares, 

And for their welfare feels. 
Who lauds the cause of righteousness, 

But steps on meanness' heels; 
Who sacrifices for the good 

Aye, of her family, 
And, in the haunts of faithlessness, 

Has no desire to be. 



48 Sweetheart and Wife 



The wife who ne 'er neglects her home 

For idle gossip's sake, 
And needless trouble lo, for you, 

Is never known to make; 
Who rears her young, as justice would, 

And teaches them to walk 
In virtue's pleasant paths, and in 

The chairs of truth to rock. 

The wife who loves none else but you, 

And ne'er from honor strays, 
Who lives on earth a model life. 

You ought indeed to praise; 
The faithful wife, that righteousness 

And worth are pleased to greet, 
I 'm sure you never can, while life 

Is yours, too kindly treat. 



HE DROVE ME TO DIVORCE. 

I had a husband once, I own. 

Who called himself "a man," 
But 'twas a sad mistake — since he 

So often '' rushed the can;" 
Causing his love for me to cool 

Like sausages on ice. 
And forcing me to often dine 

On Carolina rice. 

I thought, into a beer-keg, he 

Would some day surely turn. 
And every rule of decency 

Be not ashamed to spurn; 
When on the floor I saw him lie. 

Too muddled to get up — 
So fond was he, alas ! of the 

Intoxicating cup. 

For years, alas! I bore with him, 

Until I longed to die. 
And 'neath the cold unfeeling sod 

In peace, at last, to lie; 



Sweetheart and Wife ^q 

As I had been to him a wife, 

And a helpmate, indeed'; 
Getting ill-treatment in return 

That caused my heart to bleed. 

At last, he drove me to divorce, 

So worthless he became. 
So brutal, carnal and unkind. 

So dead to right and shame ; 
Now the best man that ever lived, 

To wed, I never would. 
As I have had more than my share 

Of matrimony's food. 



THE MAIDEN I ADORE. 

The maiden who has golden hair 

And eyes of azure blue. 
Who is affectionate and kind 

And pleasing, just and true; 
Who frowns on vanity and pride. 

That she may wisely walk. 
And with the upright and the good 

Is pleased to daily talk. 

The maiden who has pearly teeth 

And Hps so ruby red. 
Who highly values modesty 

And is to virtue wed; 
Who harmless flirting ne 'er berates. 

Or wedlock would despise ; 
Who never "puts on airs," but thoughts 

More worthy dares to prize. 

The maiden whose fair skin can with 

The brightest lily vie. 
Whose shapely form and rosy cheeks 

Can charm the critic's eye; 
Who cherishes ideals that tell 

For character and worth. 
And dines with cheerfulness and feels 

At home with jovial mirth. 



jo Sweetheart and Wife 



The maiden whom good-nature courts, 

And kindly, loves to act, 
Whom generous nature has endowed 

With gumption sense and tact; 
Who strives to live from day to day 

A blameless life, and be 
A friend to what upbuilds at home 

And in society. 



I MIGHT HAVE BEEN A MODEL WIFE. 

I might have been a model wife. 

If I'd a husband had — 
Deserving of the name — who shunned 

Aught that was bad; 
If he had kindly treated me 

As love and justice would, 
And walked lo, in the paths of those 

Who labor to do good. 

If he had not so cruel been 

And ne'er neglected me, 
I know I never would have longed 

From him lo, to be free ; 
If he had strove to fairly act 

And from bad habits flown. 
And not, alas! so recklessly 

The seeds of folly sown. 

If he had not so oft abused 

Or tried to half starve me, 
If he had been more generous 

And not so miserly; 
If he had not made home indeed 

An unattractive place, 
And smiled at acts of cruelty, 

That injure and disgrace. 

If he had kept his marriage vows 

And for my welfare cared. 
If he had not indifferent been 

To how I daily fared; 



Sweetheart and Wife 5/ 

I should have been a model wife 

Of whom he might feel prouci, 
bmce I with goodly qualities 

Was naturally endowed. 

SINCE WE WERE WED, MY MARY DEAR. 

Since we were wed, my Mary dear, 

Ttru ^^^ ^^^^^ ^^^^ Sood to me, 
When cheerful plenty sweetly smiled 

And in adversity; 
A fond companion you have been 

Through many a passing year — 
The joy and sunshine of my life 

The one to me so dear. 

Chorus : 
Since we were wed, my Mary dear, 

You have been good to me — 
The joy and sunshine of my life. 

No matter where I be. 

No other friend, hke you, I've found 

Smce mother last I met, 
Who for my weal so deeply feels — 

-9^ whom my hopes are set ; 
No friend so loving, kind and true 

I can with justice say, ' 

Has been so dear to me since I 

In childhood, used to play. 

Of you, I love to treasure so, 

How sweet it seems to sing 
Of one who to my grateful heart 

So many comforts bring; 
Of you, my own sweet Mary dear 

Who smiles so oft at me, ' 
Whose kmd and loving heart makes care 

And trouble quickly flee! 

Our long and happy wedded' life 

Reminds me oft of you, 
Of one more dear than life to me, 

Who's never proved untrue;' 



52 Sweetheart and Wife 



So, till life's setting sun appears, 
I will to you be kind, 

And, in your company, the joys 
Of love and comfort find. 



IF YOU HAVE A GOOD WIFE. 

If you have a good wife, 

Then thankful be, 
If you the light of love 

Desire to see; 
And treat her as you ought, 

From day to day. 
And never from her side 

Be prone to stray. 

If you have a good wife. 

Do all you can 
In her behalf, and act 

Like a true man; 
If you love faithfulness 

And worth esteem, 
And in your brain the seeds 

Of justice teem. 

If you have a good wife, 

Be kind to her, 
And ne'er her feelings wound 

Or wish to slur ; 
What e 'er your lot in life, 

Though bright or drear, 
And ne'er cause her to shed 

A needless tear. 

If you have a good wife. 

Attentive be, 
And you, at home, will more 

Of sunshine see; 
Forgetting not to please, 

Lo, one so true, 
Who ever cares and loves 

And feels for you. 



Sweetheart and Wife 53 



OH, SOFTLY SLEEP! 

Oh! softly sleep, my long-lost wife, 

Where zephyrs gently blow, 
In yonder cemetery green 

Where daisies love to grow; 
Where birds in summer sweetly sing 

And through the woodlands fly 
And loved ones, that I'll ne'er forget, 

In silence calmly lie! 

Chorus : 

Oh! sweetly sleep, my long-lost wife. 
Where zephyrs gently blow, 

In yonder cemetery green, 

Where daisies love to grow ; 

Where, when the flowers of summer bloom, 
And nature's charms I see, 

Lo, to your resting-place I roam, 
To one so dear to me ! 

So kind and good thou wert to me. 

Thy memory I revere, 
And, oft beside th}'- little mound, 

I shed affection's tear; 
When I, in fancy, think I see 

Thy loving face again. 
As in fair seasons past, when thou 

Wert free from want and pain. 

Long, may it be my happy lot 

To visit here, when spring 
With beauties teem and summer smiles, 

And birds are on the wing; 
To meditate when kneeling by 

Thy grave, so dear to me, 
And, as I muse, to often long 

To be again with thee. 



54 Sweetheart and Wife 



THE LIGHT OF MY HOME. 

Now home less pleasing seems to me 

Since you, my darling died, 
Since in the cold and cheerless grave 

Was laid my joy and pride; 
For no fair face so sunny seemed 

'Mong all the friends I knew — 
For how could I expect to find 

A friend so dear as you? 

Your loving smiles, I sadly miss, 

That I so loved to see, 
The genial smiles with kindness fraught — 

So comforting to me — 
When by our old fireside I set, 

Where oft, in converse meet. 
We whiled mild evening's hours away 

With love and peace, so sweet. 

When at your vacant chair, I gaze. 

How lonely then I feel. 
When at fond recollection's shrine 

I venture lo, to kneel; 
Because you were the light of home, 

When life was dear to me, 
But now how changed! how lonely seems 

The home you loved to see! 

However sad my heart may be, 

I still can think of you. 
And oft recall the sunny past 

When you were kind and true ; 
Though home now dreary seems, one thought 

Is comforting to me 
That you, until my journey's end. 

Will ne'er forgotten be. 



Sweetheart and Wife ^^ 

A WORTHY WIFE. 

I love to see you smile, my dear, 

And hear you kindly talk 
While in contentment's easy chair 

It is my lot to rock; 
For one with such a loving heart 

Who can too kindly treat, 
Or e'er too thankful be for one 

With such a disposition, sweet? 

My pride and joy, you long have been — 

The sunshine of my heart — 
From whom I ne'er have longed to roam 

Or wished to ever part ; 
For how can I do otherwise 

Than to speak well of you, 
Who never strays from duty's paths 

But to your vows are true? 

A worthy wife indeed, yoii are, 

And one who loves to please. 
To sing the notes of cheerfulness 

Like birds in summer trees; 
Howe'er uphill your lot may be. 

You look on the bright side. 
And with contentedness and love 

Forever would abide. 

So, doubly fortunate I am 

For having such a wife 
As you, my dear, who praises peace 

And shuns domestic strife; 
Who never from my side will stray 

While I my part act well. 
But in our humble cottage home 

Be always pleased to dwell. 



^6 Sweetheart and Wije 



THE SWEETHEART I DESIRE. 

You are so charming and so sweet, 

So beautiful and fair, 
My Lillian, that I love you, 

As only lovers dare; 
Because you are my heart's ideal — 

The maiden I admire — 
The flower so beautiful to me. 

The sweetheart I desire. 

Refrain : 

Because you are my heart's ideal — 
The maiden I admire — 

The flower so beautiful to me. 
The sweetheart I desire. 



So graceful and so very neat. 

So pleasing to my sight, 
So satisfying to my heart 

So genial and so bright ; 
How can I find another love. 

No matter where I roam. 
Who would my life, so bless, or be 

So kind and good at home? 

The fairest of the fair, to me. 

Oh! may you ever seem. 
While in your sparkling eyes, so blue, 

The signs of love do gleam ; 
For when you smile or kindly speak 

I long with you to dwell — 
With you, my fair, fair Lillian, 

Who now I love so well. 



If you'll be mine, sweet Lillian, 

Then happy I shall be. 
If you will some day promise that 

You '11 love none else but me ; 
If we shall wed — and to be kind. 

Content and true, aspire; 
If I shall sometime live lo, with 

The sweetheart I desire. 



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